Redland Hospital is set to receive a new $50.5 million five-level car park to provide easier and more secure access for patients, visitors and staff.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the multi-level car park would reduce the stress of searching for a car park for patients and visitors by bringing the total number of onsite car parks to 1162.
“We promised the Redlands Coast community more car parks at Redland Hospital, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering – with 713 undercover parking spaces,” Deputy Premier Miles said.
Deputy Premier Miles said the safety of staff, patients and visitors was the number one priority, and the car park would feature safe walking routes, lighting, CCTV and duress points on each level.
“Along with security features, this car park will improve safety by reducing the need to park off-site—including for staff working into the later hours.”
Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the car park was designed with the future of the Redlands residents in mind, and would be built in the north-west corner behind the existing hospital buildings with a dedicated access road.
“I’m very welcoming of this project because it will enable future growth of the hospital itself.” Mr. de Brenni said.
“It has the flexibility to rise by an additional two levels and be duplicated – so the car park capacity can be more than doubled in the future.”
“The preliminary designs are impressive both aesthetically and functionally, especially with the inclusion of end of trip shower and bike parking facilities for staff.”
The car park would also include sustainable features including solar panels and a water tank, as well as end-of-trip facilities for active transport, including bike spaces, showers and lockers.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the car park was a critical enabler for a future planned major expansion of Redland Hospital, which will increase capability and capacity to ensure the hospital continues to meet the needs of the community.
“We’re already planning for future development of the Redland Hospital campus with the completion of a $1.5M preliminary business case with options for expanding infrastructure, additional beds and an intensive care unit,” Ms Richards said.
“Over the past five years alone, Redland Hospital has seen a 34 per cent growth in admissions and a 22 per cent increase in outpatient appointments.”
Member for Capalaba Don Brown said Redlands Coast residents wouldn’t have to wait long to see the car park project commence.
“We’re fast-tracking the Redland Hospital car park by providing $3 million in project funds upfront – so we can kick off early enabling works straight away,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said construction of the car park is expected to be completed in early 2022 and will support up to 74 construction jobs.
“The construction industry has taken a hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Queensland Government is continuing to invest in infrastructure to boost the economy and create jobs.
“This is a great opportunity for contractors, and it’s projects like these that will help keep local tradies in local jobs.”
The commitment comes just months after the completion of a $1.73 million Emergency Department and Birthing Unit Expansion at Redland Hospital and is in addition to the Queensland Government’s $20 million program of upgrade works currently being rolled out.
“We’re delivering a record investment in healthcare, which is already paying off with more jobs, better health outcomes, and more services,” Deputy Premier Miles said.
The multi-level car park will be delivered thanks to a $34.5 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government and a $16 million contribution from the Federal Government.
